Systems and methods of liquid extraction from empty barrels

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods of extracting liquid from empty barrels. In one aspect, a method includes heating a barrel with less than about 10 ml of free liquid disposed therein to expand pores in the barrel. The method further includes applying, after the heating, a negative pressure to an interior of a vessel in which the barrel is disposed, such that an amount of liquid is extracted from the barrel. The method includes collecting, after the applying, the amount of liquid within a collection container. In some embodiments, collecting the amount of liquid includes pumping the liquid through a tube that is disposed between an outer surface of the barrel and the collection container. In some embodiments, heating the barrel is via a heated blanket wrapped around the barrel. In some embodiments, heating the barrel is via placing the barrel in an oven.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/300,425, filed Jan. 18, 2022, titled “Systems andMethods of Liquid Extraction From Empty Barrels,” the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments described herein relate to extraction of liquidfrom empty barrels.

BACKGROUND

Oak barrels and casks are often used to age spirits. Long term exposureof spirits to oak leads to very rich, complex flavors. The porosity ofthe oak leads to better exposure of the spirits to the wood. Theporosity, however, can also trap the liquids in the wood after theemptying of the barrel. The trapped liquid eventually evaporates or islost from selling the empty barrel or from using the empty barrel forother products. This is product loss and reduces the overall yield of abarrel of whiskey. Economic consequences of such losses can benon-trivial. By extracting and recovering the trapped liquid, suchlosses can be reduced significantly.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods of extractingliquid from empty barrels. In one aspect, a method includes heating abarrel with less than about 10 mL of free liquid disposed therein toexpand pores in the barrel. The method further includes applying, afterthe heating, a negative pressure to an interior of a vessel in which thebarrel is disposed, such that an amount of liquid is extracted from thebarrel. The method includes collecting, after the applying, the amountof liquid within a collection container. In some embodiments, collectingthe amount of liquid includes pumping the liquid through a tube that isdisposed between an outer surface of the barrel and the collectioncontainer. In some embodiments, heating the barrel is via a heatedblanket wrapped around the barrel. In some embodiments, heating thebarrel is via placing the barrel in an oven. In some embodiments, themethod can further include contacting a surface of a funnel to an outersurface of the barrel via a gasket.

In one aspect, an apparatus is described herein, the apparatus includinga vessel that receives a barrel with less than about 10 mL of freeliquid, a base frame on a floor of the vessel, the base frame configuredto support the barrel placed thereon, and a tube configured to receiveliquid flowing from the barrel while an interior of the vessel is undera negative pressure and transport the liquid from the interior of thevessel to outside the vessel. In some embodiments, the apparatus furtherincludes a funnel disposed within the interior of the vessel. The funnelcan receive the liquid flowing from the barrel while under negativepressure and transport the liquid to the tube. In some embodiments, theapparatus can include a pump disposed outside the vessel and fluidicallycoupled to the tube. The pump can facilitate movement of liquid throughthe tube. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a hole on thefloor of the vessel. The tube can be disposed through the hole withgaskets disposed around the tube to form a seal with the hole. In someembodiments, the base frame can include a plurality of metal bars withthe funnel placed in a gap between the plurality of metal bars. In someembodiments, the vessel can include a first door and a second dooropposite the first door. Each of the first door and the second door canbe sized and configured so that the barrel can be rolled into and out ofthe interior of the vessel.

In one aspect, a system is described herein, the system including aloading station that receives a barrel from a storage area, a heatingstation that receives the barrel from the loading station and heats thebarrel, and a vacuum station that receives the barrel from the heatingstation and applies a negative pressure to extract liquid from thebarrel. In some embodiments, the system can include an unloading stationthat receives the barrel from the vacuum station. In some embodiments,the loading station, the heating station, and/or the vacuum station caninclude a slot for access from a fork truck, such that the fork truckcan lock into place while loading or unloading the barrel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an extraction system, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an extraction system with a barrel atvarious stations therein, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a vacuum station, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a method of extracting liquid from abarrel, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method of extracting liquid from abarrel, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein relate to liquid extraction from barrels.Extraction involves application of both heat and a negative pressure torelease liquid from pores in a barrel. Alcoholic spirits are aged innaturally porous wooden barrels to impart flavor complexity. In somecases, when wooden barrels are emptied, water is used to soak in thebarrel over an extended period of time (i.e., about 6-8 weeks). Thisextracts additional alcohol out of the wood by use of osmosis. Theresulting mixture is about 20 proof, and is primarily used to dilutespirits when desired. In other words, the mixture is used as cut waterto proof down spirits, such as bourbon. Such methods involve doublehandling the barrels. Labor, water, utilities, and storage costsinvolved in these extraction methods are negative factors to beaddressed.

One or more systems and methods described herein can extract the trappedliquid from the barrel without adding additional water or other fluids.Additionally, one or more systems and methods described herein canextract trapped liquid over a relatively short period of time. This canreduce storage expenditures as the barrels can be processed quickerwithout spending extended amounts of time in storage. A finite volume ofany spirit is available to the market coming of age at a given time. Byextracting aged spirits from the empty barrel, better yield can berealized.

As used in this specification, “barrel,” can include any type of cask,from which liquid can be extracted, including but not limited to EnglishTun, Gorda, Madeira Drum, Port Pipe, Machine Puncheon, Sherry ShapePuncheon, Sherry Butt, Barrique (Cognac type), Barrique (Bordeux type),Hogshead, British Brewery Barrel, American Standard Barrel, kilderkin,quarter cask, blood tub, firkin, pin, minipin, and/or barracoon.

Barrels described herein are empty during extraction. As used herein,“empty,” when used in reference to a barrel, can refer to a barrel withless than about 50 mL, less than about 45 mL, less than about 40 mL,less than about 35 mL, less than about 30 mL, less than about 25 mL,less than about 20 mL, less than about 15 mL, less than about 10 mL,less than about 9 mL, less than about 8 mL, less than about 7 mL, lessthan about 6 mL, less than about 5 mL, less than about 4 mL, less thanabout 3 mL, less than about 2 mL, or less than about 1 mL of freeliquid.

As used in this specification, “free liquid” refers to liquid that canfreely flow around the inside of a barrel at room temperature andatmospheric pressure.

As used in this specification, “trapped liquid” refers to liquid soakedinto the wood of a barrel (i.e., the pores of the barrel) at roomtemperature and atmospheric pressure. In other words, it refers toliquid that does not freely flow around the barrel at room temperatureand atmospheric pressure.

As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a singlemember or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean oneor more materials, or a combination thereof.

The term “substantially” when used in connection with “cylindrical,”“linear,” and/or other geometric relationships is intended to conveythat the structure so defined is nominally cylindrical, linear or thelike. As one example, a portion of a support member that is described asbeing “substantially linear” is intended to convey that, althoughlinearity of the portion is desirable, some non-linearity can occur in a“substantially linear” portion. Such non-linearity can result frommanufacturing tolerances, or other practical considerations (such as,for example, the pressure or force applied to the support member). Thus,a geometric construction modified by the term “substantially” includessuch geometric properties within a tolerance of plus or minus 5% of thestated geometric construction. For example, a “substantially linear”portion is a portion that defines an axis or center line that is withinplus or minus 5% of being linear.

As used herein, the term “set” and “plurality” can refer to multiplefeatures or a singular feature with multiple parts. Thus, a set ofportions or a plurality of portions may include multiple portions thatare either continuous or discontinuous from each other. A plurality ofparticles or a plurality of materials can also be fabricated frommultiple items that are produced separately and are later joinedtogether (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an extraction system 100, according to anembodiment. As shown, the extraction system 100 includes a loadingstation 110, a heating station 120, and a vacuum station 130. In someimplementations, the extraction system 100 can include an unloadingstation 170. In some implementations, barrels can be fed to the loadingstation 110 from barrel storage 104 a. In some implementations, barrelscan be fed from the unloading station 170 to barrel storage 104 b. Insome implementations, liquid can be transported from the vacuum station130 to a storage volume 145 (as referred to herein as a liquid storagevolume). In some implementations, the loading station 110, the heatingstation 120, the vacuum station 130, and/or the unloading station 170can be organized in an assembly line setting. In other words, barrelscan move through each of the stations to have the appropriate processingdone to the barrels.

In some implementations, the barrels can be transported manually (e.g.,via rolling by hand) from one station to the next. In someimplementations, the barrels can be transported by machine (e.g.,forklift) (not shown). In some implementations, the barrels can betransferred by an automated transfer line (not shown). In someimplementations, the barrels can be transferred via rim roll. In someimplementations, the barrels can move via a conveyor device (not shown).In some implementations, movement of the barrels from one station to thenext can be controlled via a controller and/or a user interface (notshown).

During extraction, a barrel is loaded in the loading station 110. Theloading station 110 includes an area for placement of the barrel. Insome implementations, the loading station 110 can include a platformplaced on the ground. In some implementations, the barrel can beretrieved from the barrel storage 104 a prior to being placed in theloading station 110. In some implementations, the barrel storage 104 acan include a storage space for barrels that have been recently emptied.In some implementations, the barrels can have a low residence time atthe barrel storage 104 a. In some implementations, barrels can have aresidence time at the barrel storage of less than about 2 weeks, lessthan about 1 week, less than about 6 days, less than about 5 days, lessthan about 4 days, less than about 3 days, less than about 2 days, lessthan about 1 day, less than about 20 hours, less than about 15 hours,less than about 10 hours, less than about 9 hours, less than about 8hours, less than about 7 hours, less than about 6 hours, less than about5 hours, less than about 4 hours, less than about 3 hours, less thanabout 2 hours, or less than about 1 hour, inclusive of all values andranges therebetween. In some implementations, the barrel can be placedin the loading station 110 by hand. In some implementations, the barrelcan be placed in the loading station 110 by forklift, conveyor, rimroll, or any other suitable placement mechanism.

The barrel is heated at the heating station 120 to open and expand thepores of the barrel. In some implementations, the heating station 120can include an oven. In some implementations, heat can be applied at theheating station 120 via convection, conduction, radiation, microwaveradiation, or any other suitable heat delivery method, or combinationsthereof. In some implementations, the oven can include a low heat oven.In some implementations, the heating station 120 can include adehumidifier to prevent the water from diluting the trapped liquid. Insome implementations, the heating station 120 can be maintained at arelative humidity of less than about 20%, less than about 19%, less thanabout 18%, less than about 17%, less than about 16%, less than about15%, less than about 14%, less than about 13%, less than about 12%, lessthan about 11%, less than about 10%, less than about 9%, less than about8%, less than about 7%, less than about 6%, or less than about 5%,inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In someimplementations, the oven can be powered via electricity, gas,renewables (solar, wind), or any combination thereof.

In some implementations, the oven can be sized such that the barrel canmove slowly though the oven (e.g., at a constant rate of movement) andspend the desired residence time in the oven, such that its temperatureincreases to a desired level. For example, the barrel can move throughthe oven at 1 meter per minute and spend a desired time of 5 minutes inthe oven if the oven is sized to be 5 meters long along the movementpath of the barrel. In some implementations, the oven can have a lengthalong the path of the barrel of at least about 1 m, at least about 1.5m, at least about 2 m, at least about 2.5 m, at least about 3 m, atleast about 3.5 m, at least about 4 m, at least about 4.5 m, at leastabout 5 m, at least about 5.5 m, at least about 6 m, at least about 6.5m, at least about 7 m, at least about 7.5 m, at least about 8 m, atleast about 8.5 m, at least about 9 m, or at least about 9.5 m. In someimplementations, the oven can have a length along the path of the barrelof no more than about 10 m, no more than about 9.5 m, no more than about9 m, no more than about 8.5 m, no more than about 8 m, no more thanabout 7.5 m, no more than about 7 m, no more than about 6.5 m, no morethan about 6 m, no more than about 5.5 m, no more than about 5 m, nomore than about 4.5 m, no more than about 4 m, no more than about 3.5 m,no more than about 3 m, no more than about 2.5 m, no more than about 2m, or no more than about 1.5 m.

In some implementations, the heating station 120 can include a heatingblanket (not shown). In some embodiments, the heating blanket can bewrapped around the barrel and removed from the barrel via an automatedprocess. For example, the heating blanket can be on the ground, and thebarrel can roll onto the blanket and a portion of the barrel can lockonto the leading edge of the blanket and continue to roll, such that theblanket wraps around the barrel. In some implementations, the heatingblanket can be electronically powered. In some implementations, theheating blanket can have built in safety mechanisms (not shown), such asa timer and/or a maximum temperature setting. In some implementations,the heating station 120 can include both an oven and a heating blanket.

At the vacuum station 130, a negative pressure is applied to the barrelto draw out the trapped liquid. The extracted liquid flows out of thebarrel (e.g., via the bung hole of the barrel). The vacuum station 130includes a negative pressure chamber. In some implementations, thevacuum station 130 can include a collection pan and/or a funnel forcollection of liquid that is extracted from the barrel. In someembodiments, the negative pressure chamber can be fluidically coupled tothe storage volume 145 (e.g., via a tube). The storage volume 145 caninclude a vessel (e.g., a tank) to store liquid captured from the vacuumstation 130. In some implementations, the liquid storage volume 145 caninclude a container completely separate from the vacuum station 130. Insome implementations the liquid storage volume 145 can include acontainer completely separate from the negative pressure chamber. Insome implementations, the negative pressure chamber can be absent of anyvents that would equalize the pressure between the inside and theoutside of the negative pressure chamber. In some implementations, thenegative pressure chamber can be absent of any heating or coolingdevices.

In some implementations, the storage volume 145 can have a volume of atleast about 10 L, at least about 20 L, at least about 30 L, at leastabout 40 L, at least about 50 L, at least about 60 L, at least about 70L, at least about 80 L, at least about 90 L, at least about 100 L, atleast about 200 L, at least about 300 L, at least about 400 L, at leastabout 500 L, at least about 600 L, at least about 700 L, at least about800 L, at least about 900 L, at least about 1 m³, at least about 2 m³,at least about 3 m³, at least about 4 m³, at least about 5 m³, at leastabout 6 m³, at least about 7 m³, at least about 8 m³, or at least about9 m³. In some implementations, the storage volume 145 can have a volumeof no more than about 10 m³, no more than about 9 m³, no more than about8 m³, no more than about 7 m³, no more than about 6 m³, no more thanabout 5 m³, no more than about 4 m³, no more than about 3 m³, no morethan about 2 m³, no more than about 1 m³, no more than about 900 L, nomore than about 800 L, no more than about 700 L, no more than about 600L, no more than about 500 L, no more than about 400 L, no more thanabout 300 L, no more than about 200 L, no more than about 100 L, no morethan about 90 L, no more than about 80 L, no more than about 70 L, nomore than about 60 L, no more than about 50 L, no more than about 40 L,no more than about 30 L, or no more than about 20 L.

The unloading station 170 is optional and includes an area for removalof the barrel. In some implementations, the unloading station 170 caninclude a platform at the end of the assembly line. The barrel can beremoved from the unloading station 170 and placed in the barrel storage104 b. The barrel storage 104 b can store barrels that have had theirtrapped liquid extracted. In some implementations, the barrel storage104 b can be in close proximity to the barrel storage 104 a. In someimplementations, the barrel storage 104 a can be in the same facility asthe barrel storage 104 a.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of an extraction system 200. As shown, theextraction system 200 includes a loading station 210, a heating station220, a vacuum station 230, and an unloading station 270. The heatingstation 220 includes substations 220 a, 220 b, 220 c. The vacuum station230 includes a funnel 232, a negative pressure chamber 235, a tube 236,a pump 238, and a storage volume 245 (i.e., a liquid storage volume). Insome implementations, the loading station 210, the heating station 220,the vacuum station 230, the storage volume 245, and the unloadingstation 270 can be the same or substantially similar to loading station110, the heating station 120, the vacuum station 130, the storage volume145, and the unloading station 170, respectively, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1 . Thus, certain aspects of the loading station210, the heating station 220, the vacuum station 230, the storage volume245, and the unloading station 270 are not described in greater detailherein. The extraction system 200 is oriented, such that a barrel B canroll on the floor (or the ground) from one station to the next. In someembodiments, the loading station 210, the heating station 220, thevacuum station 230, and/or the unloading station 270 can include a slotfor access from a fork truck, such that the fork truck can lock intoplace while loading or unloading the barrel. For example, an oven can beincluded in the heating station 220, and the oven can include a slot foraccess from a fork truck, such that the fork truck can lock into placeon the oven and deliver the barrel to the appropriate location in theoven.

The barrel B is loaded into the loading station 210 prior to moving intothe subsequent stations of the extraction system 200. In someimplementations, the loading station 210 can include rails for placementof the barrel B. As shown, the barrel B includes a bung hole BH and thebarrel B is placed in the loading station 210 with the bung hole BHfacing downward. In some implementations, the barrel B can be placedwith the bung hole BH facing upward. In some implementations, the barrelB can be placed with the bung hole BH facing to the side or at an anglerelative to facing downward.

As shown, the heating station 220 includes subsections 220 a, 220 b, 220c. The barrel B rolls through each of the subsections 220 a, 220 b, 220c. As shown, the heating station 220 is sized such that the barrel Bcompletes a full rotation within the heating station 220. In someimplementations, the heating station 220 can be sized such that thebarrel B completes at least about 0.25 rotations, at least about 0.5rotations, at least about 0.75 rotations, at least about 1 rotation, atleast about 1.25 rotations, at least about 1.5 rotations, at least about1.75 rotations, at least about 2 rotations, at least about 2.25rotations, at least about 2.5 rotations, at least about 2.75 rotations,at least about 3 rotations, at least about 3.25 rotations, at leastabout 3.5 rotations, or at least about 3.75 rotations during rollingthrough the heating station 220. In some implementations, the heatingstation 220 can be sized such that the barrel B completes no more thanabout 4 rotations, no more than about 3.75 rotations, no more than about3.5 rotations, no more than about 3.25 rotations, no more than about 3rotations, no more than about 2.75 rotations, no more than about 2.5rotations, no more than about 2.25 rotations, no more than about 2rotations, no more than about 1.75 rotations, no more than about 1.5rotations, no more than about 1.25 rotations, no more than about 1rotation, no more than about 0.75 rotations, or no more than about 0.5rotations. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of rotations arealso possible (e.g., at least about 0.25 rotations and no more thanabout 4 rotations or at least about 1 rotation and no more than about 3rotations), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In someimplementations, the heating station 220 can be sized such that thebarrel B completes about 0.25 rotations, about 0.5 rotations, about 0.75rotations, about 1 rotation, about 1.25 rotations, about 1.5 rotations,about 1.75 rotations, about 2 rotations, about 2.25 rotations, about 2.5rotations, about 2.75 rotations, about 3 rotations, about 3.25rotations, about 3.5 rotations, about 3.75 rotations, or about 4rotations during rolling through the heating station 220.

In some implementations, the heating station 220 can be sized such thatthe barrel B is placed into the heating station 220 in a batch process.In other words, the heating station 220 can be sized such that a usercan place the barrel B or multiple barrels into the heating station 220and remove the barrel(s) from the heating station 220 after completionof the heating process. In some implementations, the barrel B can have aresidence time in the heating station 220 of at least about 30 seconds,at least about 40 seconds, at least about 50 seconds, at least about 1minute, at least about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes, at leastabout 4 minutes, at least about 5 minutes, at least about 6 minutes, atleast about 7 minutes, at least about 8 minutes, at least about 9minutes, at least about 10 minutes, at least about 15 minutes, at leastabout 20 minutes, at least about 25 minutes, at least about 30 minutes,at least about 35 minutes, at least about 40 minutes, at least about 45minutes, at least about 50 minutes, or at least about 55 minutes. Insome implementations, the barrel B can have a residence time in theheating station 220 of no more than about 60 minutes, no more than about55 minutes, no more than about 50 minutes, no more than about 45minutes, no more than about 40 minutes, no more than about 35 minutes,no more than about 30 minutes, no more than about 25 minutes, no morethan about 20 minutes, no more than about 155 minutes, no more thanabout 10 minutes, no more than about 9 minutes, no more than about 8minutes, no more than about 7 minutes, no more than about 6 minutes, nomore than about 5 minutes, no more than about 4 minutes, no more thanabout 3 minutes, no more than about 2 minutes, no more than about 1minute, no more than about 50 seconds, or no more than about 40 seconds.

Combinations of the above-referenced residence times are also possible(e.g., at least about 30 seconds and no more than about 60 minutes or atleast about 5 minutes and no more than about 20 minutes), inclusive ofall values and ranges therebetween. In some implementations, the barrelB can have a residence time in the heating station 220 of about 30seconds, about 40 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2minutes, about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 6minutes, about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9 minutes, about 10minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 25 minutes, about 30minutes, about 35 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 45 minutes, about 50minutes, about 55 minutes, or about 60 minutes.

In some implementations, the barrel B can rotate at least about 0.1, atleast about 0.2, at least about 0.3, at least about 0.4, at least about0.5, at least about 0.6, at least about 0.7, at least about 0.8, atleast about 0.9, at least about 1, at least about 1.5, at least about 2,at least about 2.5, at least about 3, at least about 3.5, at least about4, or at least about 4.5 full rotations in the heating station 220. Insome implementations, the barrel B can rotate no more than about 5, nomore than about 4.5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3.5, nomore than about 3, no more than about 2.5, no more than about 2, no morethan about 1.5, no more than about 1, no more than about 0.9, no morethan about 0.8, no more than about 0.7, no more than about 0.6, no morethan about 0.5, no more than about 0.4, no more than about 0.3, or nomore than about 0.2 full rotations in the heating station 220.Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of rotations are alsopossible (e.g., at least about 0.1 and no more than about 5 or at leastabout 0.5 and no more than about 0.5), inclusive of all values andranges therebetween. In some implementations, the barrel B can rotateabout 0.1, about 0.2, about 0.3, about 0.4, about 0.5, about 0.6, about0.7, about 0.8, about 0.9, about 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, about3, about 3.5, about 4, about 4.5, or about 5 full rotations in theheating station 220.

The vacuum station 230 includes the funnel 232, the negative pressurechamber 235, the tube 236, the pump 238, and the storage volume 245. Thenegative pressure chamber 235 draws a negative pressure to extractliquid from the barrel B. The barrel B can be placed in the negativepressure chamber 235, such that the bung hole BH points downward, or atan angle of less than about 90 degrees relative to pointing downward. Insome implementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can be sized tohold multiple barrels. In some implementations, the negative pressurechamber 235 can be sized to hold at least about 1, at least about 2, atleast about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, atleast about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, atleast about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50,at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, or at leastabout 90 barrels. In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber235 can be sized to hold no more than about 100 barrels, no more thanabout 90 barrels, no more than about 80 barrels, no more than about 70barrels, no more than about 60 barrels, no more than about 50 barrels,no more than about 40 barrels, no more than about 30 barrels, no morethan about 20 barrels, no more than about 10 barrels, no more than about9 barrels, no more than about 8 barrels, no more than about 7 barrels,no more than about 6 barrels, no more than about 5 barrels, no more thanabout 4 barrels, no more than about 3 barrels, or no more than about 2barrels. Combinations of the above-referenced barrel capacities are alsopossible (e.g., at least about 1 barrel and no more than about 100barrels or at least about 10 barrels and no more than about 50 barrels),inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In someimplementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can be sized to holdabout 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8,about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60,about 70, about 80, about 90 barrels, or about 100 barrels.

In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can have avolume of at least about 1 m³, at least about 2 m³, at least about 3 m³,at least about 4 m³, at least about 5 m³, at least about 6 m³, at leastabout 7 m³, at least about 8 m³, at least about 9 m³, at least about 10m³, at least about 10 m³, at least about 20 m³, at least about 30 m³, atleast about 40 m³, at least about 50 m³, at least about 60 m³, at leastabout 70 m³, at least about 80 m³, at least about 90 m³, at least about100 m³, at least about 150 m³, at least about 200 m³, at least about 250m³, at least about 300 m³, at least about 350 m³, at least about 400 m³,or at least about 450 m³. In some implementations, the negative pressurechamber 235 can have a volume of no more than about 500 m³, no more thanabout 450 m³, no more than about 400 m³, no more than about 350 m³, nomore than about 300 m³, no more than about 250 m³, no more than about200 m³, no more than about 150 m³, no more than about 100 m³, no morethan about 90 m³, no more than about 80 m³, no more than about 70 m³, nomore than about 60 m³, no more than about 50 m³, no more than about 40m³, no more than about 30 m³, no more than about 20 m³, no more thanabout 10 m³, no more than about 9 m³, no more than about 8 m³, no morethan about 7 m³, no more than about 6 m³, no more than about 5 m³, nomore than about 4 m³, no more than about 3 m³, or no more than about 2m³. Combinations of the above-referenced volumes are also possible(e.g., at least about 1 m³ and no more than about 500 m³ or at leastabout 10 m³ and no more than about 50 m³), inclusive of all values andranges therebetween. In some implementations, the negative pressurechamber 235 can have a volume of about 1 m³, about 2 m³, about 3 m³,about 4 m³, about 5 m³, about 6 m³, about 7 m³, about 8 m³, about 9 m³,about 10 m³, about 10 m³, about 20 m³, about 30 m³, about 40 m³, about50 m³, about 60 m³, about 70 m³, about 80 m³, about 90 m³, about 100 m³,about 150 m³, about 200 m³, about 250 m³, about 300 m³, about 350 m³,about 400 m³, about 450 m³, or about 500 m³.

In some implementations, the barrel B can have a residence time in thenegative pressure chamber 235 of at least about 30 seconds, at leastabout 40 seconds, at least about 50 seconds, at least about 1 minute, atleast about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes, at least about 4minutes, at least about 5 minutes, at least about 6 minutes, at leastabout 7 minutes, at least about 8 minutes, at least about 9 minutes, atleast about 10 minutes, at least about 20 minutes, at least about 30minutes, at least about 40 minutes, at least about 50 minutes, at leastabout 1 hour, at least about 1.5 hours, at least about 2 hours, at leastabout 2.5 hours, at least about 3 hours, at least about 3.5 hours, atleast about 4 hours, at least about 4.5 hours, at least about 5 hours,at least about 5.5 hours, at least about 6 hours, at least about 6.5hours, at least about 7 hours, at least about 7.5 hours, at least about8 hours, at least about 8.5 hours, at least about 9 hours, or at leastabout 9.5 hours. In some implementations, the barrel B can have aresidence time in the negative pressure chamber 235 of no more thanabout 10 hours, no more than about 9.5 hours, no more than about 9hours, no more than about 8.5 hours, no more than about 8 hours, no morethan about 7.5 hours, no more than about 7 hours, no more than about 6.5hours, no more than about 6 hours, no more than about 5.5 hours, no morethan about 5 hours, no more than about 4.5 hours, no more than about 4hours, no more than about 3.5 hours, no more than about 3 hours, no morethan about 2.5 hours, no more than about 2 hours, no more than about 1.5hours, no more than about 1 hour, no more than about 50 minutes, no morethan about 40 minutes, no more than about 30 minutes, no more than about20 minutes, no more than about 10 minutes, no more than about 9 minutes,no more than about 8 minutes, no more than about 7 minutes, no more thanabout 6 minutes, no more than about 5 minutes, no more than about 4minutes, no more than about 3 minutes, no more than about 2 minutes, nomore than about 1 minute, no more than about 50 seconds or no more thanabout 40 seconds.

Combinations of the above-referenced residence times of the barrel inthe negative pressure chamber 235 are also possible (e.g., at leastabout 30 seconds and no more than about 10 hours or at least about 5minutes and no more than about 30 minutes), inclusive of all values andranges therebetween. In some implementations, the barrel B can have aresidence time in the negative pressure chamber 235 of about 30 seconds,about 40 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 1 minute, about 2 minutes,about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 6 minutes,about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9 minutes, about 10 minutes,about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 50 minutes,about 1 hour, about 1.5 hours, about 2 hours, about 2.5 hours, about 3hours, about 3.5 hours, about 4 hours, about 4.5 hours, about 5 hours,about 5.5 hours, about 6 hours, about 6.5 hours, about 7 hours, about7.5 hours, about 8 hours, about 8.5 hours, about 9 hours, about 9.5hours, or about 10 hours.

In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can bedepressurized to a pressure of less than (i.e., more negative than)about −0.01 bar gauge, less than about −0.02 bar gauge, less than about−0.03 bar gauge, less than about −0.04 bar gauge, less than about −0.05bar gauge, less than about −0.06 bar gauge, less than about −0.07 bargauge, less than about −0.08 bar gauge, less than about −0.09 bar gauge,less than about −0.1 bar gauge, less than about −0.15 bar gauge, lessthan about −0.2 bar gauge, less than about −0.25 bar gauge, less thanabout −0.3 bar gauge, less than about −0.35 bar gauge, less than about−0.4 bar gauge, less than about −0.45 bar gauge, less than about −0.5bar gauge, less than about −0.55 bar gauge, less than about −0.6 bargauge, less than about −0.65 bar gauge, less than about −0.7 bar gauge,less than about −0.75 bar gauge, less than about −0.8 bar gauge, lessthan about −0.85 bar gauge, less than about −0.9 bar gauge, less thanabout −0.95 bar gauge, or less than about −1 bar gauge. In someimplementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can be depressurizedto a pressure of no less than (i.e., no more negative than) about −1.05bar gauge, no less than about −1 bar gauge, no less than about −0.95 bargauge, no less than about −0.9 bar gauge, no less than about −0.85 bargauge, no less than about −0.8 bar gauge, no less than about −0.75 bargauge, no less than about −0.7 bar gauge, no less than about −0.65 bargauge, no less than about −0.6 bar gauge, no less than about −0.55 bargauge, no less than about −0.5 bar gauge, no less than about −0.45 bargauge, no less than about −0.4 bar gauge, no less than about −0.35 bargauge, no less than about −0.3 bar gauge, no less than about −0.25 bargauge, no less than about −0.2 bar gauge, no less than about −0.15 bargauge, no less than about −0.1 bar gauge, no less than about −0.09 bargauge, no less than about −0.08 bar gauge, no less than about −0.07 bargauge, no less than about −0.06 bar gauge, no less than about −0.05 bargauge, no less than about −0.04 bar gauge, no less than about −0.03 bargauge, or no less than about −0.02 bar gauge. Combinations of theabove-referenced pressures are also possible (e.g., less than about−0.01 bar gauge and no more than about −1.05 bar gauge or less thanabout −0.1 bar gauge and no more than about −0.5 bar gauge), inclusiveof all values and ranges therebetween. In some implementations, thenegative pressure chamber 235 can be depressurized to a pressure of lessthan (i.e., more negative than) about −0.01 bar gauge, about −0.02 bargauge, about −0.03 bar gauge, about −0.04 bar gauge, about −0.05 bargauge, about −0.06 bar gauge, about −0.07 bar gauge, about −0.08 bargauge, about −0.09 bar gauge, about −0.1 bar gauge, about −0.15 bargauge, about −0.2 bar gauge, about −0.25 bar gauge, about −0.3 bargauge, about −0.35 bar gauge, about −0.4 bar gauge, about −0.45 bargauge, about −0.5 bar gauge, about −0.55 bar gauge, about −0.6 bargauge, about −0.65 bar gauge, about −0.7 bar gauge, about −0.75 bargauge, about −0.8 bar gauge, about −0.85 bar gauge, about −0.9 bargauge, about −0.95 bar gauge, about −1 bar gauge, or about −1.05 bargauge.

In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber 235 can bedepressurized to a pressure of at least about 0 bar absolute, at leastabout 0.05 bar absolute, at least about 0.1 bar absolute, at least about0.15 bar absolute, at least about 0.2 bar absolute, at least about 0.25bar absolute, at least about 0.3 bar absolute, at least about 0.35 barabsolute, at least about 0.4 bar absolute, at least about 0.45 barabsolute, at least about 0.5 bar absolute, at least about 0.55 barabsolute, at least about 0.6 bar absolute, at least about 0.65 barabsolute, at least about 0.7 bar absolute, at least about 0.75 barabsolute, at least about 0.8 bar absolute, at least about 0.85 barabsolute, at least about 0.9 bar absolute, at least about 0.91 barabsolute, at least about 0.92 bar absolute, at least about 0.93 barabsolute, at least about 0.94 bar absolute, at least about 0.95 barabsolute, at least about 0.96 bar absolute, at least about 0.97 barabsolute, at least about 0.98 bar absolute, at least about 0.99 barabsolute, or at least about 1 bar absolute. In some implementations, thenegative pressure chamber 235 can be depressurized to a pressure of nomore than about 1.05 bar absolute, no more than about 1 bar absolute, nomore than about 0.99 bar absolute, no more than about 0.98 bar absolute,no more than about 0.97 bar absolute, no more than about 0.96 barabsolute, no more than about 0.95 bar absolute, no more than about 0.94bar absolute, no more than about 0.93 bar absolute, no more than about0.92 bar absolute, no more than about 0.91 bar absolute, no more thanabout 0.9 bar absolute, no more than about 0.85 bar absolute, no morethan about 0.8 bar absolute, no more than about 0.75 bar absolute, nomore than about 0.7 bar absolute, no more than about 0.65 bar absolute,no more than about 0.6 bar absolute, no more than about 0.55 barabsolute, no more than about 0.5 bar absolute, no more than about 0.45bar absolute, no more than about 0.4 bar absolute, no more than about0.35 bar absolute, no more than about 0.3 bar absolute, no more thanabout 0.25 bar absolute, no more than about 0.2 bar absolute, no morethan about 0.15 bar absolute, no more than about 0.1 bar absolute, or nomore than about 0.05 bar absolute. Combinations of the above-referencedpressure ranges are also possible (e.g., at least about 0 bar absoluteand no more than about 1.05 bar absolute or at least about 0.2 barabsolute and no more than about 0.6 bar absolute), inclusive of allvalues and ranges therebetween. In some implementations, the negativepressure chamber 235 can be depressurized to a pressure of about 0 barabsolute, about 0.05 bar absolute, about 0.1 bar absolute, about 0.15bar absolute, about 0.2 bar absolute, about 0.25 bar absolute, about 0.3bar absolute, about 0.35 bar absolute, about 0.4 bar absolute, about0.45 bar absolute, about 0.5 bar absolute, about 0.55 bar absolute,about 0.6 bar absolute, about 0.65 bar absolute, about 0.7 bar absolute,about 0.75 bar absolute, about 0.8 bar absolute, about 0.85 barabsolute, about 0.9 bar absolute, about 0.91 bar absolute, about 0.92bar absolute, about 0.93 bar absolute, about 0.94 bar absolute, about0.95 bar absolute, about 0.96 bar absolute, about 0.97 bar absolute,about 0.98 bar absolute, about 0.99 bar absolute, about 1 bar absolute,or about 1.05 bar absolute.

The funnel 232 collects liquid from the barrel B. The funnel 232 can bepositioned such that it is under the bung hole BH. In someimplementations, the funnel 232 can be sized such that it can collectthe liquid dripping from multiple barrels B. As shown, the funnel 232 isplaced outside of the negative pressure chamber 235. In someimplementations, the funnel 232 can be placed inside the negativepressure chamber 235. In some implementations, the funnel 232 can beintegrated into the floor of the negative pressure chamber 235. In someimplementations, the funnel 232 can act as a collection plate or a drippan to collect liquid that drips from the barrel B.

The tube 236 is fluidically coupled to the funnel 232 and carries liquidfrom the funnel 232 to the storage volume 245. In some implementations,when the funnel 232 is inside the negative pressure chamber 235, thetube 236 can transport liquid from the inside of the negative pressurechamber 235 to the outside of the negative pressure chamber 235. In someimplementations, the tube 236 can be composed of a vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyurethane, thermoplastic, polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), Tygon®, steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, orany combination thereof. In some implementations, the tube 236 can betransparent (e.g., to aid in the observation/confirmation of liquidbeing extracted from the barrel B). The pump 238 can aid in advancingthe liquid through the tube 236, facilitating liquid from inside thenegative pressure chamber 235 to the storage volume 245. In someimplementations, the pump 238 can include a centrifugal pump, a lobepump, a self-priming centrifugal pump, a rotary gear pump, a horizontalsplit case pump, a metering/dosing pump, an air operated pump, or anycombination thereof. In some implementations, the extraction system 200can be absent of any positive pressure vessels or devices that induce apositive pressure.

FIG. 3 shows a vacuum station 330, according to an embodiment. As shown,the vacuum station 330 includes a negative pressure chamber 335, afunnel 332, a vacuum pump 333, a base frame 334, a tube 336, a gasket337, a pump 338, and a storage volume 345 (i.e., a liquid storagevolume). In some implementations, the funnel 332, the pressure chamber335, the tube 336, the pump 338, and the storage volume 345 can be thesame or substantially similar to the funnel 232, the pressure chamber235, the tube 236, the pump 238, and the storage volume 245,respectively, as described above with reference to FIG. 2 . Thus,certain aspects of the funnel 332, the pressure chamber 335, the tube336, the pump 338, and the storage volume 345 are not described ingreater detail herein.

In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber 335 can include adoor (not shown). The barrel B can enter and exit the negative pressurechamber 335 through the door. In some implementations, the negativepressure chamber 335 can include a first door and a second door (e.g.,the second door can be opposite the first door). The barrel B can enterthe negative pressure chamber 335 through the first door and exit thenegative pressure chamber 335 through the second door. In someimplementations, the second door can be located opposite the first door,such that the barrel B can move (e.g., via rolling) in the samedirection to exit the negative pressure chamber 335 as it did to enterthe negative pressure chamber 335. In some implementations, the barrel Bcan be conveyed into and out of the negative pressure chamber 335 byrolling the barrel B on rails into and out of the negative pressurechamber 335. For example, the barrel B can roll along a rail that mergeswith the base frame 334 and roll upward through the first door to getonto the base frame 334 while entering the negative pressure chamber335. In some implementations, the negative pressure chamber 335 caninclude a heating implement (not shown). In some implementations, theheating implement can include a radiator, a heating coil, a furnace, aheat pump, or any other suitable heating device. In someimplementations, heat can be applied to the barrel B while the barrel Bis inside the negative pressure chamber 335. The doors can then beclosed and the evacuation can proceed. After the evacuation hascompleted, the barrel B can roll off of the base frame 334 along therail and out of the second door. In some implementations, the rail canbe removed for the doors to close. In some implementations, the negativepressure chamber 335 can be sized to process a single barrel at a time.Processing a single barrel at a time can allow a more thoroughextraction of liquid from the barrel B than processing multiple barrelssimultaneously.

As shown, the funnel 332 is separated or spaced apart from the barrel B.In some implementations, the funnel 332 can be directly coupled to thebarrel. In some implementations, the funnel 332 can form a seal with thebarrel (e.g., via a gasket). The vacuum pump 333 is fluidicallyconnected to the negative pressure chamber 335 such that it removes gasfrom the negative pressure chamber 335 and applies a negative pressureto the negative pressure chamber 335. In some implementations, thevacuum pump 333 can be operated continuously. In some implementations,the vacuum pump 333 can be operated intermittently.

As shown, the base frame 334 includes a plurality of bars to support thebarrel B. The base frame 334 keeps the barrels B elevated for drainage.In some implementations, the bars can be composed of metal, wood,plastic, or any other suitable material or combinations thereof. In someimplementations, the bars can be arranged in a rectangular pattern suchthat they do not block the flow of liquid from the barrel B (e.g., thebung hole BH of the barrel B). In some implementations, the funnel 332can be placed in a gap between the bars of the base frame 334.

The tube 336 carries liquid from the interior of the negative pressurechamber 335 to the outside of the negative pressure chamber 335. In someimplementations, the tube 336 can extend from the inside of the negativepressure chamber 335 to the outside of the pressure chamber 335 via ahole in a wall, a floor, and/or a ceiling of the negative pressurechamber 335. In some implementations, the tube 336 can be directlyconnected to the barrel B (e.g., bung hole BH of barrel B), such thatthe funnel 332 is not necessary. In other words, liquid can flow fromthe barrel B through the tube 336 without any additional instrumentationfor catching the fluid. In some implementations, a seal can be formedbetween the tube 336 and the barrel B (e.g., bung hole BH of barrel B),through which the tube 336 extends (e.g., via the gasket 337). The tube336 can flow from the inside to the outside of the pressure chamber 335with the gasket 337 preventing any additional exposure of the inside ofthe negative pressure chamber 335 to the outside environment. In someimplementations, the tube 336 can have a diameter larger than a diameterof the bung hole BH and loosely fit against a surface of the barrel B.In some implementations, the pump 338 can at least partially aid inreducing the pressure in the negative pressure chamber 335. In otherwords, in addition to transporting the extracted liquid out of thenegative pressure chamber 335, the pump 338 can remove gas from thenegative pressure chamber 335 and aid in reducing the pressure in thenegative pressure chamber 335. In some implementations, the vacuumstation 330 can be absent of any device for addition or removal ofhumidity.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a method 400 of extracting liquid from abarrel, according to an embodiment. As shown, the method 400 includes at401 heating a barrel with less than about 10 mL of free liquid, suchthat pores in the barrel expand. The method 400 optionally includescontacting a surface of a funnel to an outer surface of the barrel via agasket at 402. At 403, the method 400 includes applying a negativepressure to an interior of a vessel in which the barrel is disposed,such that an amount of liquid flows from the barrel. At 404, the method400 includes collecting, after the applying, the amount of liquid withina collection chamber. In some implementations, the method 400 can beperformed without adding water to the barrel. In some implementations,any of the steps of the method 400 can be implemented via a userinterface. In other words, the implementation of the steps can becontrolled by a user operating software on a user interface. In someimplementations, the user interface can include a computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, or any othersuitable interface or combinations thereof.

At 401, the method 400 includes heating the barrel. In someimplementations, the barrel can have less than about 50 mL, less thanabout 45 mL, less than about 40 mL, less than about 35 mL, less thanabout 30 mL, less than about 25 mL, less than about 20 mL, less thanabout 15 mL, less than about 10 mL, less than about 9 mL, less thanabout 8 mL, less than about 7 mL, less than about 6 mL, less than about5 mL, less than about 4 mL, less than about 3 mL, less than about 2 mL,or less than about 1 mL of free liquid. In some implementations, theheating can be for a duration of at least about 30 seconds, at leastabout 40 seconds, at least about 50 seconds, at least about 1 minute, atleast about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes, at least about 4minutes, at least about 5 minutes, at least about 6 minutes, at leastabout 7 minutes, at least about 8 minutes, at least about 9 minutes, atleast about 10 minutes, at least about 15 minutes, at least about 20minutes, at least about 25 minutes, at least about 30 minutes, at leastabout 35 minutes, at least about 40 minutes, at least about 45 minutes,at least about 50 minutes, or at least about 55 minutes. In someimplementations, the heating can be for no more than about 60 minutes,no more than about 55 minutes, no more than about 50 minutes, no morethan about 45 minutes, no more than about 40 minutes, no more than about35 minutes, no more than about 30 minutes, no more than about 25minutes, no more than about 20 minutes, no more than about 15 minutes,no more than about 10 minutes, no more than about 9 minutes, no morethan about 8 minutes, no more than about 7 minutes, no more than about 6minutes, no more than about 5 minutes, no more than about 4 minutes, nomore than about 3 minutes, no more than about 2 minutes, no more thanabout 1 minute, no more than about 50 seconds, or no more than about 40seconds.

Combinations of the above-referenced heating times are also possible(e.g., at least about 30 seconds and no more than about 60 minutes or atleast about 5 minutes and no more than about 20 minutes), inclusive ofall values and ranges therebetween. In some implementations, heating canbe for about 30 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 50 seconds, about 1minute, about 2 minutes, about 3 minutes, about 4 minutes, about 5minutes, about 6 minutes, about 7 minutes, about 8 minutes, about 9minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 25minutes, about 30 minutes, about 35 minutes, about 40 minutes, about 45minutes, about 50 minutes, about 55 minutes, or about 60 minutes.

In some implementations, the heating can be via oven heating, a heatedblanket, radiative heating, solar radiation, induction heating, or anycombination thereof. In some implementations, step 401 can includerolling the barrel through an oven. In some implementations, the rollingcan be by hand (i.e., manual). In some implementations, the rolling canbe automated. In some implementations, the barrel can be conveyed via aconveyor. In some implementations, the method 400 can includedehumidifying oven during the heating to prevent water from entering thepores of the barrel and diluting the liquid to be extracted.

At 402, which is optional, a surface of a funnel contacts an outersurface of a barrel via a gasket. The funnel can be coupled to a tubethat is fluidically coupled to a storage volume. In someimplementations, the funnel can be coupled and sealed to the outersurface of the barrel such that it covers the bung hole.

At 403, a negative pressure is applied to an interior of a vessel inwhich the barrel is disposed, such that an amount of liquid flows fromthe barrel. During the initial production of the typical barrel, thebarrel staves are treated (e.g., via hot water treatment or cold watertreatment), and the bourbon barrels are charred prior to affixing thestaves with hoops. The production process aids in preventing liquid fromleaking from the inside of the barrel. Extractable spirits generally donot permeate past inner halves of the staves. Accordingly, applicationof the negative pressure causes the spirits to move to the interior ofthe barrel rather than the exterior. Some liquid can also permeate intothe checking of the charring of the inner surface, such that it can beextracted to the interior of the barrel with the application of negativepressure. Gravity can then guide this extracted liquid to the bung holeof the barrel such that it flows out of the barrel. In someimplementations, the vessel can house a single barrel at a time. Inother words, a single barrel can be processed at one time in the vesselat 403.

In some implementations, the barrel can be transported to the vessel viarolling, conveying, forklift, or any combination thereof. In someimplementations, placement of the barrel in the vessel can be manual. Insome implementations, placement of the barrel can be automated. In someimplementations, the barrel can be placed such that the bung hole pointsdownward, such that the liquid can flow out of the bung hole. In someimplementations, the barrel can be placed such that the bung hole linesup with the funnel. Liquid flows from the barrel into the tubing (e.g.,via the funnel). In some implementations, liquid can flow directly fromthe barrel into the tubing without the funnel. In some implementations,step 403 can include dehumidifying to prevent water from entering thebarrel or the pores of the barrel.

At 404, the liquid is collected within a collection chamber. In someimplementations, the collection chamber can be outside of the vessel,where the negative pressure was applied. In some implementations, themethod 400 can collect at least about 100 mL, at least about 200 mL, atleast about 300 mL, at least about 400 mL, at least about 500 mL, atleast about 600 mL, at least about 700 mL, at least about 800 mL, atleast about 900 mL, at least about 1 L, at least about 1.1 L, at leastabout 1.2 L, at least about 1.3 L, at least about 1.4 L, at least about1.5 L, at least about 1.6 L, at least about 1.7 L, at least about 1.8 L,at least about 1.9 L, or at least about 2 L of liquid from a singlebarrel, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In someimplementations, the liquid captured from the barrel can have the sameor a substantially similar alcohol content to the liquid that wasoriginally stored in the barrel. In some implementations, the method 400can be absent of any positive pressurization of the barrel.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method 500 of extracting liquid from abarrel, according to an embodiment. As shown, the method 500 optionallyincludes retrieving a barrel from the storage area at 501, the barrelincluding less than about 10 mL of free liquid disposed therein. Themethod 500 includes heating the barrel at 502 such that pores in thebarrel expand. At 503, the method 500 optionally includes placing thebarrel in a vessel. At 504, a negative pressure is applied to the vesselin which the barrel is disposed, such that an amount of liquid flowsfrom the barrel. At 505, after the applying, the amount of liquid iscollected within a collection chamber 505. In some implementations, anyof the steps of the method 500 can be implemented via a user interface.

At 501, the barrel is retrieved from a storage area and at 502 thebarrel is heated such that pores of the barrel expand. In someimplementations, the retrieval of the barrel can be manual. In someimplementations, the retrieval of the barrel can be automated (e.g.,controlled by a user interface). In some implementations, the retrievalof the barrel can be via a forklift. In some implementations, step 502can be the same or substantially similar to step 401, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 4 . Thus, certain aspects of step 502 are notdescribed in greater detail herein.

At 503, which is optional, the barrel is placed into a vessel. In someimplementations, the barrel can be positioned on top of a base frameinside the vessel. In some implementations, the barrel can be positionedsuch that the bung hole of the barrel is directly above an opening of acollection tube. The collection tube can receive liquid flowing out thebarrel via the bung hole. At 504, a negative pressure is applied to thevessel, and at 505, after the applying, the amount of liquid iscollected within a collection chamber. In some implementations, thevessel can be a vacuum chamber or a negative pressure chamber. In someimplementations, the barrel can be conveyed, manually placed, rolled, orplaced by forklift into the vessel. In some implementations, steps 504and 505 can be the same or substantially similar to step 403 and 404, asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4 . Thus, certain aspects ofsteps 504 and 505 are not described in greater detail herein.

Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which atleast one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of themethod may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments maybe constructed in which acts are performed in an order different thanillustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, eventhough shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Putdifferently, it is to be understood that such features may notnecessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather,any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and/or the likethat may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel,simultaneously, synchronously, and/or the like in a manner consistentwith the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutuallycontradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a singleembodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of theinnovations, and inapplicable to others.

In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presentlydescribed. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, includingthe right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications,continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and/or the likethereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments,examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational,structural, topological, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are notto be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by theembodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Dependingon the particular desires and/or characteristics of an individual and/orenterprise user, database configuration and/or relational model, datatype, data transmission and/or network framework, syntax structure,and/or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed hereinmay be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibilityand customization as described herein.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms “about” or“approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the valueplus or minus a range of 10%. Where a range of values is provided, it isunderstood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of thelower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between theupper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or interveningvalue in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. Thatthe upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently beincluded in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within thedisclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the statedrange. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, rangesexcluding either or both of those included limits are also included inthe disclosure.

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theembodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of theelements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present insome cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elementslisted with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “oneor more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” shouldbe understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion ofexactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, theterm “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicatingexclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) whenpreceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only oneof,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in theembodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field ofpatent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase“at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, shouldbe understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or moreof the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily includingat least one of each and every element specifically listed within thelist of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in thelist of elements. This definition also allows that elements mayoptionally be present other than the elements specifically identifiedwithin the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or,equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least oneof A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionallyincluding elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at leastone, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (andoptionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment,to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at leastone, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally includingother elements); etc.

In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, alltransitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,”“having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and thelike are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including butnot limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and“consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitionalphrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent OfficeManual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlinedabove, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparentto those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forthherein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changesmay be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Where methods and steps described above indicate certainevents occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the orderingof certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordancewith the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the stepsmay be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, aswell as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments havebeen particularly shown and described, but it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made.

1. A method, comprising: heating a barrel including less than about 10mL of free liquid disposed therein, such that pores in the barrelexpand; applying, after the heating, a negative pressure to an interiorof a vessel in which the barrel is disposed, such that an amount ofliquid exits the barrel; and collecting, after the applying, the amountof liquid within a collection container.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein collecting the amount of liquid includes pumping the liquidthrough a tube that is disposed between an outer surface of the barreland the collection container.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein heatingthe barrel is via a heated blanket wrapped around the barrel.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: contacting a surface of a funnelto an outer surface of the barrel via a gasket.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein heating the barrel occurs at least partially inside thevessel.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein heating the barrel includesrolling the barrel through a heating station at least about 0.5 fullrotations of the barrel.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:before the applying, positioning the barrel on top of a base frameinside the vessel.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: beforethe applying, positioning the barrel on top of a base frame inside thevessel such that a bung hole of the barrel is directly above an openingof a tube and such that the tube is configured to receive liquid flowingout of the barrel via the bung hole.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: avessel configured to receive a barrel containing less than about 10 mLof free liquid; a base frame on a floor of the vessel, the base frameconfigured to support the barrel placed thereon; and a tube configuredto receive liquid flowing from the barrel while an interior of thevessel is under a negative pressure and transport the liquid from theinterior of the vessel to outside the vessel.
 10. The apparatus of claim9, further comprising: a funnel disposed within the interior of thevessel, the funnel configured to receive the liquid flowing from thebarrel while under the negative pressure and transport the liquid to thetube.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a pump disposedoutside the vessel and fluidically coupled to the tube, the pumpconfigured to facilitate movement of liquid through the tube.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a hole on the floor of thevessel, the tube being disposed through the hole with gaskets disposedaround the tube to form a seal with the hole.
 13. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the base frame includes a plurality of metal bars with thefunnel placed in a gap between the plurality of metal bars.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the vessel includes a first door and asecond door opposite the first door, each of the first door and thesecond door sized and configured to receive the barrel via rolling thebarrel into and out of the interior of the vessel.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 9, further comprising: a storage volume fluidically coupled to thetube and configured to receive the liquid flowing from the barrelthrough the tube.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: avacuum pump fluidically coupled to the interior of the vessel andconfigured to impart the negative pressure on the interior of thevessel.
 17. A system, comprising: a loading station configured toreceive a barrel from a storage area; a heating station configured toreceive the barrel from the loading station and heat the barrel; and avacuum station configured to receive the barrel from the heating stationand apply a negative pressure to extract liquid from the barrel.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, further comprising: an unloading station, configuredto receive the barrel from the vacuum station.
 19. The system of claim17, wherein at least one of the loading station, the heating station, orthe vacuum station includes a slot for access from a fork truck, suchthat the fork truck can lock into place while loading or unloading thebarrel.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the vacuum station includesa negative pressure vessel, a tube fluidically coupled to the interiorof the negative pressure vessel, a storage volume, and a pump configuredto facilitate the movement of liquid from inside the negative pressurevessel to the storage volume via the tube.